Handheld apparatus for vaporization of plant-based or synthetic compounds by laser

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure is a handheld apparatus that vaporizes plant-based or synthetic compounds, for the purpose of inhalation, or diffusion into an external environment. More specifically, the disclosure describes a handheld apparatus wherein a laser beam from an internal laser unit heats compounds, such as dried plant, tinctures, resins, or essential oils, to the compound&#39;s vaporization temperature for inhalation, or diffusion as part of aromatherapy or other holistic therapeutic treatments.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/553,980, filed Aug. 25, 2017 and titled “HANDHELD APPARATUS FORVAPORIZATION OF PLANT-BASED OR SYNTHETIC COMPOUNDS BY LASER,” which is aU.S. National Stage Entry under 35 U.S.C. 371 of InternationalApplication No. PCT/IB2016/001166, filed Feb. 24, 2016 and titled“HANDHELD APPARATUS FOR VAPORIZATION OF PLANT-BASED OR SYNTHETICCOMPOUNDS BY LASER,” which claims priority to and benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/120,807, filed Feb. 25, 2015, the entirecontents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is a handheld apparatus that vaporizesplant-based or synthetic compounds, for the purpose of inhalation, ordiffusion into an external environment. More specifically, thedisclosure describes a handheld apparatus wherein a laser beam from aninternal laser unit heats compounds, such as dried plant, tinctures,resins, or essential oils, to the compound's vaporization temperaturefor inhalation, or diffused as part of aromatherapy or other holistictherapeutic treatments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The therapeutic use of plant-derived compounds, synthetics analogues, orplant extracts are gaining new attention as alternative treatments forinfections, stress, and other health problems as well as promotingphysical and psychological well-being.

It has been suggested that breathing in fragrant air stimulates theodor-sensing nerves in the nose sending impulses to the limbic system ofthe brain or activating hormones or enzymes in the blood that stimulatethe adrenal glands.

More than 100 plants are thought to have beneficial effects when used aseither whole leaf or as oils or resins. Common plants include flowers(rose, narcissus), roots (orris), leaves and needles (eucalyptus, pine),resins (turpentine), seeds (caraway), fruits (lemon, lime), berries(cloves), bark (cinnamon) and wood (cedar), spices (basil, anise,nutmeg, cumin, oregano), substances related to plant-based or syntheticmedicine (marijuana, tobacco, St. John's wort).

When heated to certain temperatures, these compounds are converted intogaseous form, producing a micro-fine mist containing the beneficialmolecules, which can then be inhaled, either directly as a concentrateddose or in a diffused form by expelling the gaseous vapor into the airof the surrounding environment.

Those preferring a concentrated dose will often smoke the compounds, asis seen with cigarettes or marijuana.

However, smoking these compounds subjects them to extremely hightemperatures, causing a combustion reaction, creating toxic byproductsthat can lead to a multiple of diseases such as lung cancer, asthma andchronic bronchitis.

Combustion is an exothermic reaction causing the compounds to undergooxidation.

In some cases, the temperatures are high enough to cause a pyrolysisreaction, wherein the compounds undergo a thermochemical decomposition,breaking the chemical bonds between carbon atoms, releasing largeamounts of volatile and semi-volatile smoke constituents.¹ ≠¹ Norman, A.(1999). Smoke Chemistry. In: D. Layten Davis & Mark T. Nielsen. Eds.Tobacco Production, Chemistry and Technology, Oxford; Blackweil ScienceLtd.

A major group of compounds formed during pyrolysis is that of thepolynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. Ethylene glycol is pyrolyticallyconverted to the human carcinogen ethylene oxide.² ≠² IARC (1994a)Ethylene oxide. In: Some industrial chemicals. Lyon, InternationalAgency for Research on Cancer, pp 73-159 (IARC Monographs on theEvaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, Volume 60).

According to the National Institute of Health, studies suggest that “thechemical constituents in tobacco smoke that present health concernsincreased as the temperature increased from 300° C. to 1,000° C., butsome compounds (e.g., acrolein and formaldehyde) reached their maximumyield at 500° C. and the yield remained approximately the same at highertemperatures.³ ≠³ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US);National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion(US); Office on Smoking and Health (US). Atlanta (Ga.): Centers forDisease Control and Prevention (US); 2010.

For example, the temperature of cigarette coal can range from a resting(smoldering) temperature of around 600° C. to peak puff temperaturesexceeding 900° C. during a 35 mL, 2-sec puff (the pyrolysis/distillationzone).

More than 5,000 smoke constituents have been identified in cigarettesmoke, with about 150 identified as smoke toxicants.⁴ ≠⁴ Rodgman, A.,Perfetti, T. A. (2008). The chemical components of tobacco and tobaccosmoke. USA: Taylor and Francis Ltd.

However, it is well known in the industry that heating plant materialsor other synthetic medicinal products at lower temperatures, a techniqueknown as vaporization, releases beneficial organic compounds.

Plant products, for example, vaporize at much lower temperatures thanare seen during combustion or pyrolytic reaction, as shown in in thelist below.

-   -   Chamomile—Vaporization temperature: 374° F./190° C.    -   Passion Flower—Vaporization temperature: 309° F./154° C.    -   Green Tea—Vaporization temperature: 374° F./190° C.    -   Peppermint—Vaporization temperature: 331° F./166° C.    -   Eucalyptus—Vaporization temperature: 266° F./130° C.    -   St. John's Wort—Vaporization temperature: 302° F./150° C.    -   Cannabis—Vaporization temperature: 356-410° F./180-210° C.    -   Tobacco—Vaporization temperature: 257-302° F./125-150° C.

As shown, some temperatures are displayed in ranges due to multipleconstituents within the plant compounds, each having unique vaporizationtemperatures.

However, while vaporization profiles are equivalent for constituentsacross various forms, combustion points may vary.

For example, cannabinoid concentrates, such as resins or waxes, are verylipid soluble, but water insoluble, resulting a very viscous substance.Cannabinoid concentrates resemble a thick, sticky, gummy resin and areless likely to combust than the dry flower or leaf forms.

Additionally, concentrates are typically more potent thannon-concentrates.

THC concentrations for cannabis resin is typically 5-10%, rarelyexceeding 12% whereas dry cannabis normally contains 3-4% THC. The THCcontent of hash oil is much more variable with levels ranging from 15%to over 60%.⁵ ≠⁵ L. A. King, Drug content of powders and other illicitpreparations in the UK. Forensic Science International 85 p. 144 (1997)135-147.

However, it is the safety profile of vaporization over combustionmethods that have made vaporization of organic and synthetic compoundsfor inhalation so popular.

A recent study on the vaporization of cannabis stated that its majorfinding was a drastic quantitative reduction in non-cannabinoidcompounds in the vapor strongly suggesting that vaporization is aneffective method for delivering medically active cannabinoids whileeffectively suppressing other potentially deleterious compounds that area byproduct of combustion.⁶ ≠⁶ Gieringer D., Laurent S. J., Goodrich S.Cannabis Vaporizer Combines Efficient Delivery of THC with EffectiveSuppression of Pyrolytic Compounds. Journal of Cannabis Therapeutics.4:7-27.

This view was expressed by the Institute of Medicine in its report onmedical marijuana (IOM 1999, Executive Summary p. 8): “Because of thehealth risks associated with smoking, smoked marijuana should generallynot be recommended for long-term use. . . . The goal of clinical trialsof smoked marijuana would not be to develop marijuana as a licenseddrug, but rather as a first step towards the possible development ofnon-smoked, rapid-onset delivery systems.” ⁷ ≠⁷ Id.

The safety profile of vaporization has thus paved the way for a host ofvaporizing apparatuses, the most popular being e-cigarettes.

The majority of e-cigarette apparatus' resemble traditional cigarettes,but instead of tobacco, the e-cigarette uses a cartridge filled with anicotine infused liquid, which is heated by a battery powered coil.

The resulting vapor is released into a chamber where it can be inhaled,much like a traditional cigarette.

The aerosol produced has a simpler more predictable composition andmaintains the general smoking experience.

However, the heating element in an e-cigarette does not producetemperatures required to vaporize many plant-based or syntheticmaterials.

For example, marijuana vaporization requires a temperature range between180-210° C. to release the beneficial Cannabinoids and Terpenes withinthe plant.

Cannabis contains sixty-six cannabinoids, the most well known beingdelta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), which is the main psychoactiveingredient in cannabis.

As well, Cannabis has over 120 terpenes responsible for producingvarious fragrances, such as floral, citrus, woodsy, and plant-based orsynthetic.

Cannabinoids are highly combustible and many of the delicate terpenesresponsible for the fragrances are easily destroyed in a combustionreaction.

With vaporization, more than twice as many cannabinoids and terpenes aredelivered to the user than one would get from smoking.

Gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GCMS) examining the gas componentsresulting from vaporization showed that the vapor was remarkably clean,consisting 95% of THC, the principal psychoactive constituent ofcannabis, with the remaining 5% consisting of terpenes and othercannabinoid related substances.

In contrast, over 111 different components appeared in the gas of thecombusted smoke, with non-cannabinoids accounting for as much as 88% ofthe total gas content of the smoke.⁸ ≠⁸ Norman, A. (1999). SmokeChemistry.

Examples of vaporizers on the market today are the Pinnacle ProVaporizer by VaporBlunt and the Volcano Digit, by Storz and Bickel,which both use a coil type heating element.

The Pinnacle Pro is a handheld vaporizer that looks similar to ane-cigarette. The unit is approximately five inches long, an inch indiameter and weighs about 100 grams. The vaporization material is placedat one end of the pipe, along with cartridges for flower or hash oil.

The unit heats the vaporization material by activating the heatingelement, which heats a conductive substance that is in direct contactwith the vaporization material. The heating element is only one inchfrom the mouthpiece, which can make the vapor hot enough to irritate orburn the throat, depending upon which material is being vaporized; acommon safety concern of current portable vaporizers. To compensate, theunit can be used in conjunction with a water pipe, which can reduce theheat of the vapor. Another downside of current Vaporizer technology isthe start-up time.

The Pinnacle Pro takes almost one minute to heat up before a user caninhale the vapor. Also, its significant power requirements allow foronly about an hour of usage before the unit needs to be recharged. Thepower and heat generation needs often lead to a shortened shelf life.

One of the most popular Vaporizers is the Volcano Digit, which is a coneshaped tabletop unit measuring approximately 7.9 inches at it base and7.21 inches high, weighing 4.0 pounds. The Volcano uses a conductionmethod, albeit a larger one.

The advantage of the larger units is a larger conduction plate, platetemperature accuracy, and a larger chamber to hold the vaporizationmaterial.

However, they are not portable, and the process is relatively complexand time consuming verse that of e-cigarettes. For the Volcano, a useradds the vaporizable contents into the heating chamber.

The Volcano unit is turned on and a temperature chosen via a digitalreadout. It takes approximately four minutes to reach vaporizationtemperature. The user must then attach a vapor balloon to the top of theheating chamber.

Over the course of about 30 seconds, a plastic balloon connected to thedevice fills up with vapor. The user attaches a mouthpiece to theballoon from which the vapor inside can be inhaled.

While current Vaporizers may function satisfactorily under certaincircumstances, there is a need for an improved portable Vaporizer thatcan be used to smoke plant based materials, with short startup times,low power consumption, long battery life, flexible temperature control,and enhanced safety, without the risk of metal “off gassing” of toxicvapors.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is a handheld apparatus that vaporizesplant-based or synthetic compounds, for the purpose of inhalation, ordiffused into an external environment.

The current embodiment consists of, but is not limited to, an apparatuswherein a laser diode unit is enclosed in a heat-diffusing housing, thelaser being focused through a single-element lens toward a reactionchamber containing vaporization material.

In a preferred embodiment, the housing is made of aluminum with aViewport Cover that slides toward the mouthpiece into an open position,revealing the reaction chamber, viewable through a light spectrumspecific, safety plastic or glass view-port balanced to block dangerouslight radiation emissions, but transparent enough to safely see thereaction in the cartridge.

The vaporization compounds can be loaded directly into the reactionchamber, or into a reaction cartridge, which can then be placed into thereaction chamber.

The reaction cartridge can be constructed of a multiple of materials,depending upon the type and composition of the vaporization compounds.

For example, a reaction cartridge filled with non-concentrate compounds,such as leaf or flower, could be made of glass or other transparentmaterial wherein the laser could directly heat the non-concentrate.

Alternatively, the reaction cartridge could be made of a thermallyconductive substrate such as ceramic, that can convert the energy from alaser beam into heat.

The laser unit, or a multiple of laser units, produces a low wavelengthlaser beam, which is focused through a lens onto the exterior of thereaction cartridge, wherein the laser energy is converted into heat,raising the temperature along the heat envelope within the reactioncartridge.

The heat envelope is the area adjacent to or in contact with thesubstrate in which is equal to or greater than the vaporization point ofthe vaporization material residing in the reaction cartridge.

The amount of vapor released is dependent upon several factorsincluding, but not limited to, the thermal conductivity and size of thesubstrate, volume of substrate, and the length of time the laser isengaged.

In a preferred embodiment, the reaction cartridge includes an air ventand a vapor escapement.

The air vent allows air from the external environment to enter thereaction cartridge or allow vapor from with the cartridge to be diffusedinto the surrounding environment.

The vapor escapement allows vapor to leave the reaction chamber andenter a vapor chamber, without debris, such as unvaporized material thatmay remain in the reaction cartridge.

A vapor tube connects a mouthpiece to the vapor chamber.

Inhaling forces air in through the air vent and into the reactioncartridge. Vapor residing within the reaction cartridge is then movedinto the vapor chamber, then out through the vapor tube and mouthpiece.

Conversely, blowing into the mouthpiece forces air through the vaportube, into the vapor chamber and into the reaction cartridge where thevapor residing in the cartridge is expelled through the air vent intothe surrounding environment.

In one embodiment, the user determines the amount of vapor available forinhalation or diffusion by choosing the duration or power intensity ofthe laser.

A recommended approach includes a power switch that engages the laseronly through an active engagement by a user, such as holding down abutton or touching a captive switch. When not engaged, the laser remainsin the “off” position. This approach will ensure that the laser is notinadvertently engaged for unattended long periods, improving both safetyand potentially increasing the useable life of the laser unit.

To enhance the heat dispersion, the laser heat sink is attached to thevaporization unit's main housing, which consists of a solid, heatdiffusing material, such as aluminum. The excess heat generated by thelaser is absorbed by the heat sink, and then excess heat is transferredand dispersed throughout the housing.

The laser can be powered in a number of ways. The preferred embodimentuses rechargeable lithium ion batteries, although any power system,including standard removable batteries or a wall plug are contemplated.

In the present embodiment, the batteries are situated below the laserchamber, which allows the unit to maintain a compact profile and aseparate inhalation conduit preventing the inhalation of battery fumes,however, the battery location is variable.

The vaporization unit can be used to vaporize both concentrates andnon-concentrates.

However, as concentrate potency is much higher in concentrates thannon-concentrates, less concentrate will need to be vaporized thannon-concentrates to achieve the equivalent inhalation or diffusion ofactive constituents, such as THC or terpenes.

In one embodiment wherein the reaction cartridge contains onlyconcentrates, the laser unit focuses a Gaussian laser beam on athermally conductive substrate, within a portion of the reactioncartridge, wherein the concentrate material is within the substrate'sheat envelope, in which the temperature is above the vaporization pointfor the compounds within the reaction chamber.

In a preferred embodiment, the substrate is blackbody material with ahigh emissivity rating. Emissivity (e) is the characteristic parameterfor the absorption and emission of thermal radiation of a surface.

In a preferred embodiment, the blackbody substrate is micro-porouswherein a portion of the blackbody substrate outside of the heatenvelope acts as a wick, drawing a portion of liquid concentrate throughthe micro-porous structure by capillary action.

In an additional embodiment, a spring and plunger within the reactioncartridge pushes sticky concentrate material, such as waxes or resins,toward the blackbody substrate's heat envelope.

Another embodiment includes a sliding housing cover that exposes atransparent viewport wherein the user can view the vaporization reactionas well as see the amount of vapor available for inhalation ordiffusion.

In embodiments wherein the vaporization material is loaded directly ontothe reaction chamber or wherein the reaction cartridge is made of atransparent material, the viewport will also allow the user to see theamount of vapor material remaining.

To operate the unit, the user removes the reaction cartridge, filling itwith the vaporization materials and places the reaction cartridge backinto the reaction chamber by sliding it through a side port. Pre-filledcartridges are contemplated.

The user can choose a temperature by adjusting the power regulator. Theinvention contemplates pre-programmed positions that correspond todifferent plant-based or synthetic vaporization temperatures.

The user breathes in through the mouthpiece to allow air into thechamber, which exits through the vapor hole into the vapor tube and outthe mouthpiece. For aromatherapy, the reverse process is engaged.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent fromthe following description taken in conjunction with any accompanyingdrawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example,certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained hereinconstitute a part of this specification and include exemplaryembodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects andfeatures thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B show an external view of the Vaporizer Unit.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-section of the Vaporizer.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment wherein the Reaction Cartridge is placed intoReaction Chamber.

FIG. 4 shows a left side cutaway of the Reaction Cartridge [34] with awick system designed for concentrates.

FIG. 5 shows a Spring and Plunger mechanism for moving concentratetoward the heat envelope.

FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B shows an additional embodiment that uses a ReactionCartridge Insert to load low viscosity concentrates into the ReactionCartridge.

FIG. 7 shows left side view of the Vaporizer wherein a sliding coverreveals a Viewport.

FIG. 8 shows a cutaway view of the Vaporizer in the closed position.

FIG. 9 shows a cutaway view of the Vaporizer in the closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is a handheld apparatus, which uses a laser tovaporize plant material for the purpose of vapor inhalation. Morespecifically, the disclosure describes a self-contained unit that safelyfocuses the energy generated by a laser to vaporize plant-based orsynthetic materials, such as dried plant, tinctures, resins, oressential oils, for inhalation or as part of aromatherapy or otherholistic therapeutic treatments.

The current embodiment consists of, but is not limited to, a mobileapparatus wherein a laser diode is enclosed in a heat-diffusing housing,the laser being focused through a single-element lens toward a reactioncartridge containing plant-based or synthetic material, the planet basedmaterial being vaporized by the laser, the vapor then being inhaled bythe user or expelled into the surrounding area for aromatherapy.

The Vaporizing Unit is designed to be compact, so that users can easilyfit it in a pocket.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show an external view of the Vaporizer Unit. FIG. 1A isan upper left side rear view of the Vaporizer upper left side, viewedfrom rear of the Vaporizer and FIG. 1B shows an upper left side rearview of the Vaporizer.

The Vaporizer of the preferred embodiment is designed as an extruded“FIG. 8” which is ergonomic and comfortable to hold. However, theVaporizer can be designed in a number of configurations, including, butnot limited to, a traditional “pipe” configuration.

On the rear end of the Vaporizer is a mouthpiece [10] from which theuser will inhale the vapor, or blow into for the aromatherapy function.

The Mouthpiece [10] is attached to the Main Housing Unit [12], whichencloses the functional components.

On the front end of the Main Housing Unit [12] is the Reaction Chamber[16], which holds the plant-based or synthetic materials that will bevaporized.

Below the Mouthpiece [10], located on the front of the Main Housing Unit[12] is the Power Switch [18].

FIG. 2. shows a cross-section of the Vaporizer, as viewed from the leftside of the unit. The internal components are as follows:

At the rear of the unit is the Mouthpiece [10].

A Vapor Tube [20] connect the Mouthpiece [10] to the Vapor Chamber [22],which hold the vapor until inhaled or expelled by the user.

In the current embodiment, the Main Housing Unit [12] is a single moldedaluminum unit in which the Vapor Tube [20] and the Vapor Chamber [22]are integrated into the Main Housing Unit [12] as part of the mold,however, other methods are contemplated, such as separate plastic ormetal tubing.

A Laser Diode [24] is attached to a Heat Sink [26] with the laser beam,directed through a Focusing Lens [28] toward a Reaction Chamber [16],which contains the plant-based or synthetic vaporization materials,including concentrates, such as oils and resins and/or non-concentrates,such as leaf material.

Engaging the laser heats the plant based materials in the ReactionChamber [16] to the vaporization point. The resulting vapor collectswithin an open area of the Main Housing Unit, described here as a VaporChamber [22], until the user inhales or expels the vapor.

When a user inhales, air from the external environment is forced throughan Air Vent [20], and into the Reaction Chamber [16], through a VaporEscapement [25] into the Vapor Chamber [22], and out through the VaporTube [58] and Mouthpiece [10]

The Air Vent [20] and Vapor Escapement [25] act as screens, allowing airand vapor to leave the reaction chamber without any vaporizationmaterials.

Various configurations are contemplated including metal screens.

In the current embodiment, the Vapor Chamber [22], Vapor Tube [58], AirVent [20] and Vapor Escapement [25] are constructed as part of the moldof the Main Housing Unit [12], but the invention contemplates otherapproaches wherein the components are separate and distinct connectedto, rather than part of, the interior of the main housing.

When diffusing, the opposite occurs wherein air is pushed from the VaporTube [58] and into the Vapor Chamber [22], through the Vapor Escapement[25], into the Reaction Chamber [16] where the vapor is expelled throughthe Air Vent [20] into the external environment.

Although any type of directed high intensity light is contemplated, thepreferred embodiment uses a blue, low wavelength laser, such as is foundin the M140 laser diode, which contains a blue 445 nanometer (nm) laser.

A single low wavelength lasers provide an excellent balance betweenperformance, portability and power consumption, however, higher-poweredlasers or version containing multiple lasers are contemplated. Forsafety considerations, the preferred configuration has the laserpointing away from the user, but other laser positions are contemplated.

The Laser Diode [24] is attached to the Heat Sink [26], which is astandard component of most “off the shelf” lasers, including the M140.The heat generated in the Laser Diode [24] can be dispersed by the HeatSink [26] which is made from an efficient thermally conductive material,such as copper or brass.

The longer the laser is fired, the more material is vaporized and thus,the more vapor is available for inhalation. However, prolonged firing ofthe laser could build up excess heat that the can overwhelm an “off theshelf” Heat Sink [26], damaging the Laser Diode [24] or resulting ininjury to the user.

To avoid excess heat buildup, laser-based products often utilizeautomatic shutoff controls for the Laser Diode [24], which limits thetime the laser can be engaged, and then require a cooling down periodbefore their laser can be reactivated.

However, a more effective approach is to extend the Heat Sink's [26]thermal conductivity by attaching it to additional thermally conductivematerials.

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention, the Main HousingUnit [12] is constructed from a thermally conductive the material,wherein the Heat Sink [26] is attached directly to the Main Housing Unit[12], allowing excess heat from the Heat Sink [26] to transfer from theHeat Sink [26] to the Main Housing Unit [12]. The large conductive areaof the Main Housing Unit [12] allows it to remain cool to the touch.

The preferred material for Main Housing Unit [12] construction isaluminum, however, any material with high thermal conductivity iscontemplated.

The current embodiment uses aluminum which has a thermal conductivityrating of 0.50 (cal/sec)/(cm² C/cm) or 205 (W/m K).⁹ ≠⁹ Young, H. D., &Sears, F. W. (1992). University physics. Reading, Mass.: Addison-WesleyPub. Co. Table 15-5.

Aluminum provides an excellent balance between weight, thermalconductivity, ease of construction, and cost.

A Laser Diode [24] requires a Focusing Lens [28] to direct the intensityof the laser beam. The tighter the beam, the higher the heat generated.

The current embodiment utilizes a single-element AR coated glassFocusing Lens [28], such as a G2 series lens, which is well known in theart to be more efficient at light transmission than traditional3-element lenses, however, other lens types are contemplated.

Power requirements for the laser is dependent upon the Laser Diode [24]being used. The current embodiment uses a constant current Diode DriverCircuit that can generate up to 2 watts.

In the current embodiment, the Laser Diode [24] is powered by twostandard rechargeable 18350 3.7 v protected Li-Ion Batteries [32].

The configuration in FIG. 2 shows the Batteries [32] located in thelower part of the Main Housing Unit [12], below the Laser Diode [24].

The advantage of this configuration is that the vapor tube is locatedaway from the batteries, minimizes the potential for inhalation of toxicvapors emitted by the batteries.

However, the battery location is variable. Custom battery profiles, suchas flat batteries or other locations, including but not limited to,placing the Batteries [32] between the Laser Diode [24] and theMouthpiece [10] (as shown in the referenced Provisional Patent#62120807) are also contemplated.

To operate the unit, the user holds the Power Switch, [18] which engagesthe Laser Diode [24].

The user chooses the duration that the Laser Diode [24] is engaged andthe power curve at which the diode will operate, vaporizing as much ofthe material in the Reaction Chamber [16] as the user wishes to inhale.

For safety reasons, it is recommended that the Power Switch [18] engagethrough a continuous action, such as holding down a button, so that thelaser will shut off when the action complete.

One embodiment uses a touch capacitive Power Switch [18].

In a preferred embodiment, a power regulator is included, which enablesthe user to change the laser power curve, increasing or decreasing theheat from the laser to the proper vaporization temperatures for varyingtypes of vaporization materials.

An example of a power regulator is Blitzbuck V5 adjustable diode driver,which has a fluctuating output.

The heat of the laser beam will be controlled by adjusting the outputamps, which is adjusted through an adjustment screw in the Bitzbuck V5.

Alternatively, a relay switch can be used to change between multiplesettings, each setting being equivalent to the vaporization temperaturerequired for a multiple of plant-based or synthetic materials.

The invention contemplates a pre-programmed regulator that deliverspower that corresponds to different plant-based or syntheticvaporization points.

The laser may also be adjusted to allow for a wide dispersal or afocused beam.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment wherein the Reaction Cartridge [34] is placedinto Reaction Chamber [16] through an open area on the back of theVaporizer.

Using a Reaction Cartridge has several advantages over loadingvaporization materials directly into the Reaction Chamber [16],including ease of cleaning the unit as well as being able to pre-loadmultiple Reaction Cartridges [34] or being able to produce pre-filleddisposable Reaction Cartridges [34].

In another embodiment, as an added safety feature, removal of thereaction cartridge breaks a circuit, disabling the laser diode fromfiring.

Using a Reaction Cartridge [34] has an added advantage of being able tovary the materials used to construct the Reaction Cartridge [34] basedup on the chemical profile of the vaporization material.

For example, a cartridge filled with loose leaf materials may benefitfrom a Reaction Cartridge [34] constructed of a thermally conductivematerial wherein the entire Reaction Cartridge [34] is heated by thelaser, as opposed to vaporizing the leaf material directly.

In one embodiment, the Reaction Cartridge is constructed from a materialwith high thermal conductivity and heat transfer, also known as asubstrate.

Conductive heat transfer can be expressed with “Fourier's Law”:

${q = {{kA}\frac{dT}{dx}}},$where q=the heat flow rate by conduction (W·m⁻²), k=the thermalconductivity of body material (W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹), ′A=the cross-sectional areanormal to direction of heat flow (m²) and

$\frac{dT}{dx} = {{the}\mspace{14mu}{temperature}\mspace{14mu}{gradient}\mspace{14mu}{\left( {K \cdot m^{- 1}} \right).}}$

An example of a reaction cartridge substrate for vaporization ofnon-concentrate (flower or leaf) material is Heatron's Ceramic CoreAluminum Nitride has excellent thermal conductivity and uniformity,effective to temperature of up to 1,000° C., with a Maximum Watt Densityof 1,000 W/in, a thermal conductivity measure of 220 W/mK and a Ramp-UpRate of 500° C./sec.

Vaporizing concentrates, on the other hand, require less material to bevaporized than non-concentrates, wherein a tighter laser beam heating asmaller substrate is more efficient.

The dimensions of the substrate for concentrates are variable, dependenton a multiple of factors including the size and shape of the ReactionCartridge [34], the desired vaporization temperature, the types ofconcentrate and the desired amount of vapor produced.

Additionally, some concentrates have properties that may affect the evendistribution of vaporization within the Reaction Cartridge [34].

For example, a concentrate of sticky resin may adhere to the interiorsurface of the Reaction Cartridge [34], away from the substrate.

Additionally, some concentrates may undergo an intermediate state changeprior to vaporization. For example, waxes characteristically exhibit arelative low melting point between 113-160° F. depending upon thechemical composition of the wax, wherein some of the

FIG. 4 shows a left side cutaway of the Reaction Cartridge [34] with awick system designed for concentrates.

While the invention contemplates a Reaction Cartridge [34] containingconcentrate for a single inhalation, the preferred approach is to fillthe Reaction Cartridge [34] with a concentrate for multiple uses.

In the embodiment show here, the Reaction Cartridge [34] is constructedof a transparent material, wherein the user can view the amount ofconcentrate within the cartridge, although a non-transparent ReactionCartridge [34] is contemplated.

A thermally conductive substrate is located on a portion of the interiorof the Reaction Cartridge [34], wherein it can be hit with the laser.

In a preferred embodiment, the substrate is Blackbody Substrate [37].

A black body (ideal heat emitter) would fully emit and absorb allelectromagnetic radiation incident upon it with every wavelength (e=1).In contrast, the surface of a real body only emits part of thisradiation. Thus, real objects are called “gray” bodies (e<1). Theemissivity of a body thus describes the amount of radiation that itemits in comparison with a black body.

The purpose of the blackbody substrate is to absorb and distribute themaximum amount of radiant energy from the light and transform it intothermal energy for vaporization, which increases the energy efficiencyof the vaporization process.

The distribution of power that a black body emits with varying frequencyis described by Planck's law.

Planck's law for the energy EA radiated per unit volume by a cavity of ablackbody in the wavelength interval λ to λ+Δλ(Δλ denotes an incrementof wavelength) can be written in terms of Planck's constant (h) thespeed of light (c), the Boltzmann constant (k), and the absolutetemperature

$E_{\lambda} = {\frac{8\pi\;{hc}}{\lambda^{5}} \times \frac{1}{{\exp\left( \frac{hc}{{kT}\;\lambda} \right)} - 1}}$where The value of Planck's constant is found to be 6.62606957×10⁻³⁴joule-second, with a standard uncertainty of 0.00000029×10⁻³⁴joule-second.

The majority of the vaporizing materials have transparent and/orreflective optical characteristics that wastes the radiant energy by notabsorbing it.

The blackbody substrate absorbs the incidental radiant energy that wouldnormally be reflected or transmitted through the target material.

The closer the characteristics of the substrate are to an idealblackbody, the more efficient it will be at absorbing the radiant energyfrom the light and converting it into thermal energy for vaporization.

Therefore, the higher the emissivity, the less power is required by thelaser to transfer the thermal energy as heat into the substrate.

The Blackbody substrate efficiently absorbs energy from the laser andemits it as heat in a highly localized area.

The relationship governing the net radiation from hot objects iscalculated using the Stefan-Boltzmann law:P=eσC(T ⁴ −T _(C) ⁴)where P=net radiated power, A=the radiating area, σ=Stefan's constant(5.6703×10⁻⁸ watt/m2K⁴), e=emissivity, T=the temperature of theradiator, and T_(c)=the temperature of the surroundings.

The substrate could also be colored the complimentary frequency of thelight. For instance, the 445 nm blue light is readily absorbed by itscomplimentary colored pigment 580 nm yellow. The problem isdiscoloration, which makes black a more ideal candidate.

The blackbody substrate also regulates the volume of the material to bevaporized by a capillary action, which vaporizes a thin layer ofvaporizing material adjacent to the substrate.

A thin layer is much more efficient as it reduces the required energy toreach the point of vaporization because there is less surroundingmaterial to absorb the thermal energy.

Although many materials could be used as the blackbody substrate, themost ideal material is one that is highly refractory, porous, stablefrom oxidization, and optically absorbent.

The material must be able to remain inert and stable at the requiredvaporization temperatures between 200-800 degrees F.

The material must be porous enough to wick the vaporizing material fromthe main reservoir and transport it into the target dimple.

Certain materials, especially metallic materials, have a tendency tooxidize after repeated heating and cooling cycle. This oxidization hasbeen known to off-gas fumes, and thus should be avoided.

It is possible to vaporize the material without using a blackbodysubstrate. This would require significantly more output power of thecurrently used diode.

It can also be achieved by increasing the optical density by adding asecondary focusing lens element.

First, the light beam is nominally collimated with a collimator lens.Then the collimated beam is focused to the required optical densityusing either a plano-convex or an aspherical lens. However, bothsolutions would require much more expensive lenses or diodes.

In the current embodiment, a tight Gaussian laser beam is directed atthe Target Point [35], wherein the laser energy is converted to heat inthe localized area of the target Point, heating the Blackbody Substrate[37] to a temperature at or above the vaporization temperature of theconcentrate but below its combustion temperature.

In one embodiment a Laser Hole [39] (see, for example, FIG. 6A) on theexterior of the Reaction Cartridge allows the laser unimpeded access tothe Blackbody Substrate [37]

The Blackbody Substrate [37] distributes the heat, vaporizing materialwithin its Heat Envelope [36], which is the thin layer adjacent to thesubstrate.

Concentrates lying outside of the Heat Envelope [36] will not bevaporized.

The black body substrate exposed to the interior of the cartridgeadjacent to the target area will emit heat, creating a localized heatenvelope where the temperature is at or above the vaporization point ofthe concentrate but below the combustion point of the concentrate.

The localized heat envelope allows additional control over the amount ofvapor a user desires than with a non-blackbody substrate.

In a preferred embodiment, the blackbody substrate is micro-porouswherein a portion of the blackbody substrate outside of the HeatEnvelope [36] acts as a wick, drawing a portion of liquid concentratethrough the micro-porous structure by capillary action.

As a result, the heat emitted by the Blackbody Substrate [37] islocalized to the laser target area and not transferred evenly throughoutthe Blackbody Substrate [37], unlike other thermally conductivesubstrates such as ceramics or iron, with less emissivity.

This feature makes the Blackbody Substrate ideal for controlling thevapor output of dense and potent concentrates.

The present invention contemplates loading concentrate through an openportion of the Reaction Cartridge [34], which can be closed using amultiple of mechanisms including, but not limited to, a screw cap, or adoor held in place by force exerted on a rubber grommet attached to thedoor's interior side.

In order for the Reaction Cartridge [34] to easily load into theReaction Chamber [16], it is preferred that the mechanism for closingthe Reaction Cartridge [34] be at the top or at the bottom of thecartridge, although other opening positions are contemplated based onthe overall shape of the Reaction Cartridge [34] and Reaction Chamber[16].

However, when low viscosity or sticky material is being vaporized, thereis a potential for the concentrate to stick to the area near theopening, away from the Blackbody Substrate [37] and the Heat Envelope[36].

To force the material further into the Reaction Cartridge [34] andcloser to the Blackbody Substrate [37] and the Heat Envelope [36], anapplicator with a diameter that is smaller than the Reaction Cartridge[34] opening would be necessary.

Alternatively, the user could wait until the temperature within theReaction Cartridge [34] reached a point wherein the concentrate wouldbecome less viscous and sticky.

However, a preferred approach is to use a Reaction Cartridge thatincludes a mechanism that forces the concentrate toward the HeatEnvelope [36].

One embodiment utilizes a spring and plunger system within the ReactionCartridge [34].

As seen in FIG. 5, a Spring [38] sits at the bottom of the ReactionCartridge [34], above which sits a Plunger [40], consisting of twosections, the Plunger Post [41] and the Plunger Top [42].

In the embodiment shown, the concentrate is loaded through the bottom ofthe Reaction Cartridge [34], however, other locations are contemplated.

The Plunger Top [42] fits into the bottom of the Reaction Cartridge [34]and is shaped to fit snugly within the Horizontal plane of the interior.

In this configuration, the Target Point [35] is on the Upper portion ofthe Reaction Cartridge [34] with the Heat Envelope [36] inside theReaction Cartridge.

The concentrate is vaporized within the Heat Envelope [36], leavingempty space where the vaporized material was located prior tovaporization.

To move additional concentrate into the Heat Envelope [36], the Spring[38] exerts pressure on the Plunger [40] such that concentrate materialis forced toward the Heat Envelope [36].

The Spring [38] will continue to move the Plunger [40] until reachingthe top of the Reaction Cartridge [34], which would then be empty ofconcentrate.

To gauge the efficiency of vaporization as well as knowing the amount ofvaporization material remaining in the cartridge, it is preferred thatthe Vaporizer contain a Viewport that exposes the Reaction Chamber [16]and Vapor Chamber [22].

FIGS. 6A and 6B shows an additional embodiment that uses a ReactionCartridge Insert [49] to load low viscosity concentrates into theReaction Cartridge [34].

FIG. 6A is a side cutaway view of the Reaction Cartridge Insert [49]outside and above the Reaction Cartridge [34].

FIG. 6B shows a view of the Reaction Cartridge Insert [49] above theopening in the Reaction Cartridge [34] wherein the Reaction CartridgeInsert [49] is inserted.

The Reaction Cartridge Insert [49] is shaped to fit snugly within theReaction Cartridge [34] and the top of the Reaction Cartridge Insert[49] acts as a cap, closing the Reaction Cartridge [34] after insertion.

In the embodiment shown, the Reaction Cartridge Insert [49] is loadedfrom the top, however, the configuration of the Reaction CartridgesInsert [49] and its loading location varies, dependent upon the shapeand configuration of the Reaction Cartridge [34].

The Reaction Cartridge Insert [49], in its loaded position, is held inplace using pressure from a rubber gasket or a flexible grommet thatfits into the loading hole.

An opening in the Reaction Cartridge Insert [49] shown here on the sideof the Reaction Cartridge Insert [49] exposing concentrate to theBlackbody Substrate [37] and Heat Envelope [36].

Prior to placing the Reaction Cartridge Insert [49] into the ReactionCartridge [34], the sticky or viscous concentrate is loaded through theside opening.

It is preferred that the Reaction Cartridge [34] and the ReactionCartridge Insert [49] are made of a transparent material that wouldallow a user to see the material within the Reaction Cartridge [34].

FIG. 7 shows left side view of the Vaporizer wherein a Viewport Cover[52] slides toward the User, revealing a Viewport [50]

FIG. 8 shows a cutaway view of the Vaporizer in the closed position. Inthis configuration, the Vapor Tube [20] is located in the Viewport Cover[52] and extends above the Vapor Chamber [22].

The Vapor Tube [20] has two vapor inlet holes, the Main Vapor Hole [54]and a Forward Vapor Hole [56].

In the closed position, the Forward Vapor Hole [56] is blocked and theMain Vapor Hole [54] is open, allowing the vapor to flow from the VaporChamber [22] into the Vapor Tube [20] and out of the Mouthpiece [10].

A Vapor Tube Stopper [48], attached to the Main Housing Unit [12],prevents vapor from entering the forward portion of the Vapor Tube [20],ensuring that the vapor flows efficiently, without being trapped in theVapor Tube [20] forward portion.

To expose the Viewport [50], the Viewport Cover [52] slides rearwardinto in an open position, as shown in FIG. 9.

In the open position, the Main Vapor Hole [54] is no longer exposed tothe Vapor Chamber [22], but is instead blocked by the Main Housing Unit[12].

The Forward Vapor Hole [56] is now in a position that is exposed to theVapor Chamber [22].

The Vapor Tube Stopper [48], which is connected to the Main Housing Unit[12] remains in a stationary position. When sliding the Viewport Cover[52], the Vapor Tube Stopper shifts position relative to the Vapor Tube,so that in the open position, the Vapor Tube Stopper [48] resides at thefront of the Vapor Tube [20].

The Vapor Tube Stopper [48] also acts a stop point for the ViewportCover [52] when it slides back, ensuring that the Viewport Cover [52]cannot slide any further.

A number of clear materials can be used for the ViewPort [50], includingany transparent solid such as glass or plastic or any containedtransparent liquid that can be tinted with a pigment balanced toattenuate the frequency of light being used down to a level that can besafely viewed by the human eye.

The tint should have a minimum optical density of OD 4+ although OD 5+is recommended. However, the preferred embodiment uses a greenpolycarbonate, because the green pigment attenuates the chosen lightfrequency of 445 nm to a safe level and poly-carbonate is strong andresistant to cracking or breaking.

All patents and publications mentioned in this specification areindicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which theinvention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporatedby reference to the same extent as if each individual publication wasspecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention isillustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangementherein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in theart that various changes may be made without departing from the scope ofthe invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to whatis shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figuresincluded herein.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the presentinvention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain theends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. Theembodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein arepresently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended tobe exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changestherein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which areencompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by thescope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been describedin connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should beunderstood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited tosuch specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of thedescribed modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious tothose skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of thefollowing claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A vaporizer, comprising: a housing; areaction chamber defined within the housing; a reaction cartridgedisposed within the housing and configured to contain a concentratematerial for vaporization, the reaction cartridge including a substrateand a reaction cartridge insert configured to position the concentratematerial such that the concentrate material is adjacent to the substrateduring operation; a laser diode disposed within the housing; and a lensaligned with the laser diode such that, during operation, a laser beamgenerated by the laser diode is directed toward the reaction chamber toheat the concentrate material within the reaction chamber, the vaporizerbeing a portable vaporizer configured to receive electrical power via atleast one of an internal battery or a wall plug; wherein the substrateincludes a microporous blackbody substrate configured such that, duringuse, capillary action moves the concentrate material through themicroporous blackbody substrate toward a heat envelope.
 2. The vaporizerof claim 1, wherein the housing includes a viewport through which avaporization reaction is viewable during operation.
 3. The vaporizer ofclaim 1, wherein the laser diode is configured to emit a blue laseroutput.
 4. The vaporizer of claim 1, wherein the lens is a singleelement lens.
 5. The vaporizer of claim 1, wherein the housing includesa thermally conductive material.
 6. The vaporizer of claim 1, furthercomprising a power regulator configured to adjust an output power of alaser diode output of the laser diode.
 7. The vaporizer of claim 1,further comprising a heat sink attached to the laser diode and to thehousing, the heat sink configured to transfer heat, generated by thelaser diode during operation, to the housing.
 8. The vaporizer of claim1, wherein the reaction cartridge further includes a spring and aplunger configured to automatically move the concentrate material withinthe heat envelope of the substrate.
 9. A vaporizer, comprising: ahousing; a disposable reaction cartridge configured to be positionedwithin the housing and configured to contain a concentrate material forvaporization, the disposable reaction cartridge including a substrateand a reaction cartridge insert configured to position the concentratematerial such that the concentrate material is adjacent to the substrateduring operation; and a laser diode assembly disposed within the housingand configured, during operation, to direct a laser beam generated bythe laser diode assembly toward the concentrate material, the vaporizerbeing a handheld vaporizer configured to receive electrical power via atleast one of an internal battery or a wall plug; wherein the substrateincludes a microporous blackbody substrate configured such that, duringuse, capillary action moves the concentrate material through themicroporous blackbody substrate toward a heat envelope.
 10. Thevaporizer of claim 9, wherein the housing includes a viewport throughwhich a vaporization reaction is viewable during operation.
 11. Thevaporizer of claim 9, wherein a laser diode of the laser diode assemblyis configured to emit a blue laser output.
 12. The vaporizer of claim 9,wherein the laser diode assembly includes a single element lens.
 13. Thevaporizer of claim 9, wherein the housing includes a thermallyconductive material.
 14. The vaporizer of claim 9, further comprising apower regulator configured to adjust an output power of a laser diode ofthe laser diode assembly.
 15. The vaporizer of claim 9, furthercomprising a heat sink attached to the laser diode and to the housing,the heat sink configured to transfer heat, generated by a laser diode ofthe laser diode assembly during operation, to the housing.
 16. Thevaporizer of claim 9, wherein the reaction cartridge further includes aspring and a plunger configured to automatically move the concentratematerial within the heat envelope of the substrate.